Irene Sanderson, age 90 of Lake St. Croix Beach, died peacefully Saturday October 20th   2018 at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. Irene was born September 24, 1928 in Mounds Park,  Minnesota; the daughter of Milbert and Verna Nelson. She was raised in Afton where she attended elementary school prior to graduating from the Stillwater high school. On October 9, 1948, she was united in marriage to Wesley Sanderson at Memorial Lutheran church in Afton. This union would be blessed with Five children; Yvonne, Diane, Duane, Donna, and Denise. Early in life, she worked for the First National Bank in bookkeeping before she dedicated her time to her family and children. Once older, she returned to work in the kitchen at Larry’s Supper Club and the hardware store in Lakeland.  She then worked for Sick-Optic Electric as a bookkeeper prior to her retirement. Following this, she truly enjoyed her time with church and with the Valley Tours.  

Irene loved being a mom. She cherished her family and took great pride in watching her children grow and become adults, and parents too! Some of her most memorable moments were family vacations and camping. Outside of tending to her family, her favorite place to be was outdoors and enjoying her flower gardens. She was also fond of knitting and crocheting keepsakes for family and friends, and the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Many will remember her friendly smile volunteering for Memorial Lutheran or the American Red Cross Blood Drives.  

Irene is preceded in death by her parents; Milbert and Verna Nelson; sister Lorraine Pribnow, brother Vernon Nelson; husband Wesley; and infant daughter Yvonne Marie. She will remain in the hearts of her children Diane (David) Worrel, Duane Sanderson, Donna Sanderson, Denise (Wendy Charlsen) Sanderson; four grandchildren Sarah (Andy) Nelson, Emily (Adam) Kirschbaum, Roxanne Nelson, Cole Nelson; six great grandchildren Alana, Wesley, Spencer, Elise, Ava, Evelyn, and loving devoted friend John Young.  

Funeral service for Irene will be 11AM Thursday October 25that Memorial Lutheran Church, 15730 So. Afton Blvd, in Afton. Visitation will be one hour prior at church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Afton. Active casketbearers will be Bruce Nelson, Glen Nelson, Gordy Pribnow, Cole Nelson, Andy Nelson, and Adam Kirschbaum., Memorials preferred to Memorial Lutheran Church, Garden or Music funds. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.